Maharashtra Crisis Live Updates: Rebel Minister Claims Support Of 50 MLAs

Maharashtra crisis: Eknath Shinde hasreached the critical number of MLAs required to split the party in the assembly without falling foul of the anti-defection law.

The political turmoil in Maharashtra continues with the rebellion growing stronger against Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. The latest developments suggest rebel leader Eknath Shinde has reached the critical number of MLAs, 37, required to split the party in the assembly without falling foul of the anti-defection law. His total strength is now 42.

However, speaking to NDTV this morning, he claimed more than 50 MLAs are supporting him, including 40 from the Sena. Mr Shinde earlier asserted that the Sena's alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party and the Congress in Maharashtra is "unnatural", and that it should restore its alliance with the BJP.